Neneh Cherry in Bottega Veneta: MEN courtesy of Mubi
As digital alternatives to runway shows become the new norm, fashion houses are finding themselves free to experiment with different presentation mediums for their collections. In what is considered a seasonless offering from the brand, Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee collaborated with British photographer and filmmaker Tyrone Lebon to create a poignant and intimate fashion film.
The eight-minute film, entitled ‘MEN’ documents one-to-one discussions between an offscreen interviewer and ten interviewees in a brightly lit studio space. A brief glance at the film’s cast bears evidence of Lee and Lebon’s efforts to include perspectives from a diverse range of ages, genders and sexual orientations. The likes of Octavian, Roberto Bolle and Barry Keoghan sport looks from previous Lee collections as they candidly discuss their views and misconceptions held on masculinity.
“In your eyes”, the interviewer begins, “what qualities make a man?” The cast offer honest and unpretentious responses as they go on to explain their personal relationships with menswear and how that relates to masculinity and identity.
As they contemplate their answers, the camera focuses on certain aspects of their body language and the viewer gets a close-up look at the finer details from Lee’s previous collections. The garments feature the rich, textured fabrics and boxy tailoring that have become hallmarks of Lee’s tenure at the Italian brand.
Despite the significant focus paid by the camera to the clothing, the film is keen to emphasise the greater importance of the person wearing the garments rather than the garments themselves. The fashion industry has been frequently criticised for dehumanising its models into nothing more than moving mannequins. The distance that Lebon and Lee make from such a notion feels refreshing and genuine.
One of the greatest benefits of showing fashion week presentations digitally is that the front-row experience is now accessible for everyone from the comfort of their own screen. The Bottega Veneta ‘MEN’ short-film is no different and available to stream for free via Mubi from midnight on 24th July until 6th August.
Watch the teaser trailer for ‘Bottega Veneta – MEN’ below: